On This Day in Alexandria History — “On July 17, 1946 the City of Alexandria designated the Old and Historic Alexandria District, nicknamed at the time the “Charleston Ordinance” after the City of Charleston, South Carolina which had earlier extended the police powers of its zoning code to regulate changes to the exterior appearance of buildings within a designated area. Zoning laws in the United States were first upheld by the U. S. Supreme Court in 1916 in the famous Euclid vs. Ambler case, but that issue dealt specifically with land uses and not aesthetic appearance. Alexandria’s new historic district was the third in the United States including the “Vieux Carre” area of New Orleans. Historic District zoning codes went unchallenged for over two decades until the Supreme Court case Penn Central vs. City of New York upheld that city’s action to denied an application to build a skyscraper atop the historic Grand Central Station.” [Historic Alexandria]
Code Red Air Quality Alert Today — “The Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (COG) has forecast a Code Red air day in the metropolitan Washington region tomorrow, July 17, due to smoke from Canada wildfires.” [Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments/X]
Beyer Pushes for Expedited Return for Fired State Department Diplomats — “Congressman Don Beyer (D-VA), House Foreign Affairs Committee Ranking Member Gregory W. Meeks (D-NY), Congresswoman Dina Titus (D-NV), and Congressman James Walkinshaw (D-VA) today introduced the Foreign Service Test-Free Reentry Act to help rebuild America’s diplomatic corps by eliminating unnecessary and unprecedented barriers for experienced Foreign Service Officers who were involuntarily separated during the Trump Administration’s mass reductions in force (RIF) beginning in January 2025. The legislation would allow eligible officers to return to service without having to retake the same written and oral entry exams they already passed before their service.” [Rep. Don Beyer news release]
Alexandria Prepares to Leave VDOT Program — “The Locality Sustained Performance Program has, since its inception in October 2023, measured which localities need assistance from the state in three key areas – timeliness, progress and fiscal management. Every locality in the Commonwealth with more than five active projects under VDOT’s six-year improvement program is assessed for its performance in the three key areas. If it fails in two or more areas, VDOT works with it on an improvement plan.” [Alexandria Times]
Former Mayor Allison Silberberg Joins Agenda:Alexandria Board — “The newly elected Agenda:Alexandria Board of Directors gathered at AlexRenew for a planning retreat focused on the organization’s 2026–2027 season. The retreat marked the first time the full board had met in person since members were elected in May. Among the new board members is former Alexandria Mayor Allison Silberberg, who served as mayor from 2016 through 2018.” [The Zebra]
Speed Cushions Part of New Traffic Calming Project in Parkfairfax — “Check out the new traffic calming measures in Parkfairfax – the City’s Traffic Planning and Street Maintenance Divisions worked together to bring these safety improvements to the neighborhood and enhance the roadway for drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists!” [Alexandria T&ES/X]
Review for Proposed Dominion Energy Merger Begins — “Dominion Energy on Wednesday submitted their official arguments to the State Corporation Commission to allow the utility to merge with the Florida-based NextEra. The utilities plan to combine, creating an East Coast energy titan.” [Virginia Mercury]
Alexandria Pipes and Drums Summer Concert Series Tonight — “Join us for two special evenings – Friday, July 17 and Friday, August 21, from 7:45 to 8:45 p.m.at Waterfront Park, Market Square, 1A Prince St, for performances filled with music, energy, and community spirit. Combining precision marching with powerful and stirring musical arrangements rooted in Scottish heritage, the City of Alexandria Pipes and Drums has been captivating audiences for over 50 years … After each performance, meet the band members, take photos, and learn what it takes to join the City of Alexandria Pipes and Drums.” [City of Alexandria]
It’s Friday — This afternoon, expect widespread smoke mainly after 2 p.m., with mostly sunny skies and a high near 92°F. Winds will come from the north at about 5 mph before becoming calm. Tonight, there is a 30% chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2 a.m., along with widespread smoke. Conditions will be partly cloudy with a low around 74°F, and winds from the southeast at 6 mph. [NWS]
Submit your own photos for Morning Notes to [email protected].
